The Levels Approach to Achieving Your Health Goals
You know how a lot of times, we set really big, ambitious goals for ourselves and then very quickly start to get overwhelmed with trying to accomplish them EVERY day? Yeah—me too. That’s why when I set my own health goals these days, I take a different approach to make sure I’m consistent and making progress—no matter what life throws at me each day.
So, rather than setting a bunch of health goals and just trying to do it all every day, imagine your health goals as a multi-tiered journey, where each level represents a stage of accomplishment and commitment. This tiered system introduces a flexible approach, no matter what life throws at you.
Here's how the levels break down:
Level One
These are the foundational practices that serve as the core of your well-being. They're the essentials, the daily rituals that are non-negotiable. These are the core habits that, no matter what you can accomplish every single day. Note that I didn’t say that you “will” accomplish every day because these are going to be so easy to achieve that you know they will get done everyday without having to try too hard.
For me this is taking my magnesium supplement. That is my non-negotiable because I can take that right before I go to bed if I forget. So start by figuring out what your non-negotiable is. Maybe it's balancing your blood sugar (this is one of the most impactful ways to make a huge difference on your health). Maybe it's hitting your protein intake. Maybe it's getting your magnesium in. Maybe it's literally just drinking water and getting your magnesium in. That's it. Easy and achievable.
Level Two
And then level two is a step up. These are the other things that you need to do daily to achieve your goals, but if you’ve had a bad day or an off day, you won’t beat yourself up for not getting to them. Maybe this is getting some type of movement in. Maybe this is food prepping. Maybe this is getting to bed on time.
Level Three
And then level three is everything else. So this could be a weight training session or going to a yoga class first thing in the morning. Maybe this is cooking a whole food meal and sitting down at the table to eat it. Maybe this is getting an hour of quiet to do something you love doing to help reduce stress. These are the things that make you feel like you’ve knocked it out of the park. You had a great day. You nailed every single one of your good habits. That's level three.
The beauty of this tiered system lies in its adaptability. Life is often unpredictable, and there will be days when fully committing to all your new health goals might be challenging. With the levels approach, you can adjust your efforts based on daily circumstances. If time is tight, focus on your non-negotiable habits. If you have more bandwidth, incorporate practices from level two and three. This flexibility ensures that you’re still making progress, no matter what comes up! Celebrate each level as a milestone and recognize that your journey is an evolving process.
Remember: Life’s unpredictability might challenge your routine.
Develop a parachute plan—a contingency strategy for situations where your usual habits aren’t possible and are thrown out the window.
Like if you’re traveling and your flight is delayed four hours and you’re stuck in an airport. Your plan of working out when you get to the hotel is clearly not going to happen. So what can you do instead? Maybe you can call a friend and take some laps around the terminal and do some squats. Is this the ideal weight-lifting session you had in mind? No, but it can help mitigate your stress levels and gets in some kind of movement.
Or maybe you’re getting to the hotel super late now and you won’t have time to get a healthy meal before everything is closed. What can you do to nourish yourself in your current circumstances? Instead of the organic, clean quinoa bowl you were planning on, maybe you end up with a fortified smoothie and beef stick from the newsstand. Is it ideal? No, but this is your contingency plan because it's hard when you're doing well and everything suddenly blows up in smoke and you’re left sad and frustrated.
And sometimes this can send us down a rabbit hole of feeling like we have start over when things calm down. But you don't have to start over. We navigate the life that we are in right now. Every choice is a new choice. Every moment is a new moment. So if you can't do your typical routine, make a parachute plan. Find the thing that still keeps you on track and still serves your goals, even if it’s not the ideal, perfect option you had in mind.
The journey to your healthiest self isn't a solo mission.
Letting your partner, family, or friends in on your health goals can make a real difference. When they know what you're aiming for, they become your cheerleaders, often offering practical help and keeping you on track.
It's not just about the practical stuff, though that helps. It's also about having someone to answer to. Knowing that others are aware of your goals can give you that extra push to stick with it. The road to a healthier lifestyle has its challenges, and having a support system means you've got people who get it, who can lift you up when you're feeling down or facing obstacles.
Sharing your goals can strengthen your bond with those around you, sparking conversations about well-being and creating a joint commitment to healthier living. And when you hit those milestones, having a supportive crew means your wins are everyone's wins.
Opening up about your health goals might even inspire others in your circle to join the wellness journey, creating a positive domino effect of shared healthy choices. So, spill the beans about your vision for your healthiest self; you might be surprised at the wave of support waiting for you!
Your health goals are more than a checklist.
It's a mindful journey that begins with painting a vivid picture of your healthiest self. This mental image becomes the blueprint for your goals, a roadmap to guide your efforts.
Instead of overwhelming yourself with a colossal goal, break it down into achievable milestones. Whether you're aiming to shed inches or embrace a healthier lifestyle, setting monthly targets transforms your vision into actionable steps. It's about making progress tangible, celebrating victories, and ensuring that the journey is as fulfilling as the destination.
Once you've set the destination, it's time to identify the habits that will pave the way. Dive into the nitty-gritty of your healthiest self's routine, whether it's brisk walks, wholesome meals, or metabolic flexibility. These habits aren't just actions; they're the building blocks of your well-being.
Remember, this isn't a sprint; it's a journey. Embrace the progress, savor the small wins, and acknowledge that every step forward is a victory. Your healthiest self isn't a destination; it's a continuous evolution. So, lace up your sneakers, pack your nourishing meals, and let the journey unfold, one sustainable step at a time!
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The recommendations presented in this blog are not a substitute for medical advice from a qualified doctor. Before making any changes to your diet and lifestyle, please consult with your health care provider.
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